Prime Data Centers, an international provider of hyperscale and wholesale data center solutions, has made a significant step forward in its corporate environmental and social governance by unveiling a revamped sustainability strategy. This strategic initiative, spearheaded by the company’s newly appointed Vice President of ESG, Sarah Martinez, aims to set a benchmark in the tech industry for integrating business growth with environmental stewardship.
The announcement would mark a pivotal moment for Prime as it introduces a structured approach to its sustainability efforts, which includes public, time-bound commitments and the promise of transparent reporting. In a move to solidify this promise, the company has announced plans to issue its inaugural sustainability report by the summer of 2024. Furthermore, demonstrating a heightened commitment to water conservation, Prime has procured Water Restoration Certificates from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, amounting to 120 percent of the water consumed across its operating portfolio in 2023.
Prime Data Center’s enhanced sustainability measures are a continuation of the company’s ongoing efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. These efforts are exemplified by the development of a new data center design standard, which features an innovative, closed-loop mechanical system. This system would significantly reduce water use, operating with less than one percent of the water typically consumed by conventional adiabatic and evaporative cooling systems. This design achievement has effectively brought the company’s Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) close to zero, according to Prime.
Nicholas Laag, Founder and CEO of Prime Data Centers, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and responsible growth amid the increasing energy demands driven by cloud computing, social media, and AI technologies. “Since our inception in 2017, Prime has been dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions that align technological advancement with environmental responsibility,” said Mr. Laag. He highlighted initiatives such as district heating projects in Europe and unique power sourcing strategies as key components of their sustainability framework.
Renewable Energy Roadmap
This initiative, led by the new Vice President of ESG, Sarah Martinez, aims to set an industry benchmark for merging business growth with environmental stewardship.
Prime’s strategic pillars for sustainability – ‘Protecting Our Home,’ ‘Serving Our Community,’ and ‘Living Our Values’ – would reflect a holistic approach to corporate responsibility. The company has also elevated its industry presence and influence by joining the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and upgrading its involvement with the Infrastructure Masons to a Global Foundation Partner status.
The company's forthcoming commitments are scheduled as follows: the release of the first annual sustainability report in summer 2024, unveiling of a renewable energy roadmap by the fourth quarter of 2024, and the establishment of greenhouse gas reduction targets along with a climate risk assessment in 2025. These commitments are designed to enhance green building standards and implement zero-waste practices.
Miranda Gardiner, Executive Director of the iMasons Climate Accord, praised Prime’s proactive stance. “It’s crucial for the data center industry to translate discussions on sustainability into concrete actions. Prime’s initiatives are an encouraging sign that our collective efforts are moving in the right direction,” said Gardiner.
Todd Reeve, Chief Executive Officer at Bonneville Environmental Foundation, also commended Prime’s initiatives. “As the challenges to our water resources intensify due to climate change and population growth, it’s imperative for companies like Prime to take definitive steps towards conserving and restoring freshwater,” said Mr. Reeve.
Implementing this strategic reorientation would not only correspond with Prime's trajectory of expansion but also establish a benchmark for the sector, illustrating the compatibility of technological advancements and environmental sustainability. With these programs, Prime Data Centers hopes to actively contribute to the development of a sustainable and technologically advanced future in addition to responding to global concerns.
